TRANSCRIPT of DISCOVER GERMANY – EXPLORE THE SUPER POWERS OF GERMANY:

A Journey through German Wonders and Culture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDEoMO887HU

hello my name is Heidi . . .

Welcome to Germany a country where history, culture and innovation collide. Get ready to
uncover fascinating facts that make Germany a true European gem. Let's explore it together.

There are so many reasons why Germany is famous: ranging from their stunning castles
outstanding architecture breathtaking scenery fascinating nature and cosmopolitan cities.
Germany has all of it, and much more. Germany officially called the Federal Republic of
Germany is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe. It
has borders with Denmark, Poland, and the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland, France,
Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Germany has been a member country of the European Union since 1958 and has a population
of over 83,1 12,500 people its official currency is Euro (1.00 Euro = 1.0775123 US Dollars / 1 USD
= 0.928064 EUR) – (1.00 Euro = 60.300056 Philippine Pesos / 1 PHP = 0.0165837 EUR) which
replaced the Deutsche Mark in 2002.

This beautiful country full of calming landscapes, forests, rivers and mountains has over 90
billion trees which covers 33% of the country. The black forest or schwarzwald is one of the most
famous forests in Germany and is considered one of the most beautiful forests in Europe. It has
been a protected area since 2004.

Germany is a land of castles. It is thought that Germany has around 25,000 castles within its
borders. The most impressive Castle as nanstein castle and it is one of the most famous castles
ever built. It is considered one of the most beautiful castles not only in Europe but also in the
world. It is located in the region of Bavaria and it was built by King Ludwig II.

Nanstein Castle (German: Burg Nanstein) is a ruined medieval castle above the town of Landstuhl in
Germany, which has been partially reconstructed. The red sandstone rock castle dates from the 12th
century and was once owned by Franz von Sickingen, who was mortally wounded during a siege of
the castle in 1523.

Frederick I of Germany had Nanstein Castle built about 1152. The medieval hill (spur) castle,
situated above a 49 feet (15 m) high sandstone ledge, was originally part of the Hohenstaufen defenses
guarding the imperial lands in the south-western Palatinate.

Imperial Knight and Protestant reformer Franz von Sickingen modernized the castle in the 16th century
and turned it into a citadel that was supposed to withstand the artillery of the age. In 1523 (during the
so-called "Knights' Revolt"), the castle was besieged by the Archbishop of Trier, Palatine Elector Louis
V, and Landgrave of Hesse. Sickingen fell mortally wounded during the siege.
 Sickingen's sons received the partially destroyed castle back from Elector Louis V in 1542 (as a feudal
tenure), and immediately rebuilt it in a Renaissance style. In 1668, the Elector Charles Louis captured
the restored castle and had it partially destroyed. French troops destroyed other parts in 1689. In the
following centuries several repairs were made, but it remains a castle ruin.

(Ludwig Otto Friedrich Wilhelm; 25 August 1845 – 13 June 1886), also called the Swan King or the
Fairy Tale King (der Märchenkönig), was King of Bavaria from 1864 until his death in 1886. He
also held the titles of Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, Duke of Franconia, and Duke in
Swabia.[2] Outside Germany, he is at times called "the Mad King" or "Mad King Ludwig"

Ludwig ascended to the throne in 1864 at the age of 18 but increasingly withdrew from day-to-day affairs
of state in favour of extravagant artistic and architectural projects. He commissioned the construction
of lavish palaces: Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, and Herrenchiemsee. He was also a
devoted patron of the composer Richard Wagner. Ludwig spent all his own private royal revenues
(although not state funds as is commonly thought) on these projects, borrowed extensively, and defied all
attempts by his ministers to restrain him. This extravagance was used against him to declare him
insane, an accusation that has since come under scrutiny.

The “fairy-tale” king, Ludwig II of Bavaria, built this dazzling Neuschwanstein palace to withdraw
from public life after losing his power in the Austro-Prussian war. It’s believed that he built his new castle
as the centerpiece for an imagined kingdom—one in which he was the true king.

The fairy-tale design and picturesque surroundings inspired Walt Disney to create the Sleeping Beauty
castle in Disneyland. It’s also rumored to be the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s 1950 film
Cinderella. Despite the hermit king’s unhappy ending, his vision has inspired many more happily ever
afters.

There are many other fascinating castles you can visit such as the medieval castle Eltz Castle (Eltz
Castle is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. It is still owned
by a branch of House of Eltz who have lived there since the 12th century.) (German: Burg Eltz) in Swabia built
on top of a hill or the Heidleberg castle (Heidelberg Castle is a ruin in Germany and landmark of Heidelberg.
The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. The castle has only been
partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries.) built as a fortified castle with Towers
casemmates and moates in around year 1300.

The German cuisine focus heavily on bread potatoes and meat especially pork sauerkraut which
is fermented cabbage and plenty of sausages most popular food as spaetzle schnitzel with
potatoes and copel which are potato pancakes. Another thing about Germany, is they are famous
for their sausages. So, don't be surprised about the fact that there are over 1,000 sausage varieties.
Another key symbol of Germany is bread. The country has over 3,000 bread varieties. Apart from
excellent food, beer is an important part of German culture. So, it is probably not surprising that
there are now well over 7,000 varieties of beer brewed in 1,300 German breweries.

Germany has over 250 cities and towns. Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. It is
Germany's top tourist destination and the city is renowned for its exceptional range of landmarks
vibrant cultural scene and a relaxed way of life. It is home to three UNESCO world heritage
sites: the museum Island, the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam, and the modernism housing Estates
with its beer gardens museums and art galleries.

Why was Dresden removed from UNESCO?

The World Heritage Committee decided to remove Germany's Dresden Elbe Valley
from UNESCO's World Heritage List due to the building of a four-lane bridge in the
heart of the cultural landscape which meant that the property failed to keep its
"outstanding universal value as inscribed."

Is Heidelberg a UNESCO site?

In 2005, to help it showcase its own geological treasures, the City of Heidelberg itself
became a member of the UNESCO Geo Nature Park.

1978 saw Aachen Cathedral become the first site in Germany to be given UNESCO
World Heritage status. This signaled a renaissance in how German National Tourist
Board sought to market Germany as a travel destination. It also showed how
noteworthy sites around the country should be given the recognition they deserve in
playing a key part in how the land has been shaped.

Berlin is more than capable of supplying tourists and locals alike with a steady dose of German
culture. Without a doubt, Berlin signature attraction is the Brandenburg gate. This 18th century
neoclassical monument was built in 1791 and it became a symbol of German Unity. Another
Berlin's beautiful attraction is Gendarmenmarkt (gender marked Square) originally built in 1688
which is one of the most stunning squares in the city.

(German for 'Men-at-arms market') is a square in Berlin and the site of an architectural
ensemble that includes the Berlin concert hall, along with the French and German Churches.
In the centre of the square stands a monumental statue of poet Friedrich Schiller. The square
was created by Johann Arnold Nering at the end of the seventeenth century as the Linden-
Markt and reconstructed by Georg Christian Unger in 1773. The Gendarmenmarkt is named
after a Prussian cuirassier regiment called the Gendarmen [de], which had stables at the
square until 1773. The square was originally built in 1688. It was a marketplace and part of
the city's Western expansion of Friedrichstadt, one of Berlin's emerging quarters.

During World War II, most of the buildings were badly damaged or destroyed. They have all
been restored.

One of the most famous landmarks of the German capital is the Berlin Victory column.
(Siegessäule – Victory column). The 67 M High column crowned by the golden Berlin Peace
Angel is visible from afar and it stands in the middle of the tear Garden. From the platform, you
have a magnificent view over the whole Berlin. The victory column was erected in the 19th
century and originally commemorated Germany's Wars of unity. Today, it has become a symbol
of peace.
One of the many reasons why this country is famous is their iconic festivals and markets. The
most famous Festival - the October Fest is the world's largest vks Fest featuring a beer festival
and a carnival.

(A Volksfest (pronounced [ˈfɔlks.fɛst] listen ⓘ; German for "people's festival") is a large event
in German-speaking countries which usually combines a beer festival or wine festival and a
travelling funfair. Attractions may include amusement rides, games of chance and skill, and
food and merchandise vendors.)

It is held annually in Munich, Bavaria running from September to the first Sunday in October
with more than 6 million International and National visitors attending the event. This year, the
October Fest is taking place between Saturday September 16th 2023 to Tuesday October 3rd 2023.

One of the most magical times to visit Germany is during the festive holiday season. Christmas
markets take over the landscape in late November through the Christmas season making it the
best place to visit for those looking to transport themselves to what feels like a winter wonderland
fairy tale. There's no better place to visit than Dresden. Their Christmas Market was founded
in 1434 which makes it the oldest Christmas Market in the country.

The Munich Christmas Market in Marana plots is a world-famous site to behold held in front of
the Old Town Hall. The huge Christmas tree decorated with over 2,500 twinkling lights will
enchant you so enjoy some hot mold wine with worst and soak up the magic Christmas
atmosphere.

The Cologne Cathedral located in Cologne North Rhine -Westphalia is the largest gothic church
in northern Europe. It is home to the second tallest twin-spired church in the world. These huge
spurs fires make for the largest church in the entire world. When Architects started to build the
Cologne Cathedral it was all the way back in 1248. Construction of the cathedral didn't finish
until 1880. The cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Germany is home to 414 zoos. This means that the country has more zoos than the entire United
States. The Berlin Zoological Garden is the oldest and largest zoo in Germany. It has the largest
collection of animals in the world the zoo has 19,500 animals and 1,500 species. It gets a ton of
tourists each year. Over 3 million people visit this attraction every year.

Germany has a series of truly stunning Lakes showcasing the country's pristine natural beauty.
The königsee lake is a natural lake in the state of Bavaria near the Austrian border. It is the
deepest, cleanest and one of the most spectacular lakes in Germany. This Crystal-Clear Alpine
Lake offers Panorama boat tours leaving Travelers speechless with Gorgeous Mountain views all
around.

Germany is one of the world's largest car producers Volkswagen Golf has been one of the
bestselling cars since 1981. Other top selling car brands were Mercedes, Audi and BMW. Around
3.4 million German vehicles were produced in 2022 with total revenue volume of 40.9 billion Eur.
Germany is Europe's most creative country. It is known for several inventions such as the
invention of aspirin by German scientist Felix Hoffmann in 1897. The MP3 which caused a
musical revolution in the 9s invented by Karlheinz Brandenburg in 1991. The tram invented by
entrepreneur Ernst Werner von Siemens (a German electrical engineer, inventor and industrialist)
and his company Siemens and Husky in 1881. Printing press invented by Goldsmith and
inventor Johannes Gutenberg in 1450. The Mercedes car invented by Carl Friedrich Benz in
1886. Jeans created by German born American businessman Levi Strauss in 1871. Black forest
cake created in 1915 by a pastry chef named Joseph Keller.

Germany is famous for being the land of poets and thinkers. Among the most known people are
the most famous scientist of the 20th century, Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven (German
composer and pianist) who is considered one of the greatest musical geniuses that ever lived.
Professor Theologian and church reformer Martin Luther, (German priest and theologian) and
Rudolph Christian Carl Diesel - German inventor and mechanical engineer who is famous for
having invented the diesel engine.

Germany is the fifth most popular country for international students. There are over 380
universities in Germany that deliver over 177,000 study programs around 220 universities offer
programs taught in English for international students.

Germany has a high level of employment with only 5.5% unemployment rate and is home to a
large number of expats which has helped the employment rate to consistently rise the average
salary in Germany is € 42,000 a year, the 11th highest salary in Europe.

The biggest companies in Germany are Volkswagen, Daimler, Allianz, BMW, and Siemens.
There are many career possibilities in Germany. The current most in demand jobs are
Information Technology, banking, telecommunications, engineering, marketing, and
construction.

German remains the language with the most native speakers in Europe, with around 100 million
native speakers after Russian. German is the official language in Germany, Switzerland,
Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein.

About 40% of German and English vocabulary are very similar to each other which makes
German one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers.

*** The president of Germany, officially titled the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany
(German: Bundespräsident der Bundesrepublik Deutschland),is the head of state of Germany.

The current officeholder is Frank-Walter Steinmeier who was elected on 12 February 2017 and re-elected
on 13 February 2022. He is currently serving his second five-year-term, which began on 19 March 2022.

*** Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven were two of the greatest composers in classical
Western music. Beethoven, a contemporary of Mozart, was born 20 years after the death of Bach. They're
two of the "three Bs" of classical music - Bach, Beethoven and Johannes Brahms.

*** In Germany, people have to pay taxes for having a dog.